Ruth Ann Columbia 1951-2022 Obituary
Ruth Ann Columbia, age 70 of Petersburg, WV died Friday, March 11, 2022.
Ruth Ann was born on August 4, 1951 in Brownsville, PA and was a daughter of the late John Richard Columbia and Dolores Irene (White) Columbia. In addition to her parents, Ruth Ann was preceded in death by one sister, Barbara Marlene Webber and brother-in-law, Carroll Anthony Webber.
Ruth Ann is survived by two daughters, Natalie Ann (Tim) Argabrite of Bridgeport, WV and Kristi Beth Crites of Ridgeley, WV; five grandchildren, Tenley Elizabeth Crites, Preston Graham Argabrite, Lillian Grace, Caroline Belle and Nathaniel Scott Argabrite. Also surviving are two sisters, Vickie Lynn (Jeff) Smulovitz of Winchester, VA and Jacqueline Columbia of Martinsburg, WV; one brother, John Richard (Dovonna) Columbia of Brownsville, PA; two special sisters-in-law, Wilma Crites (Bruce) Mann and Barbara Crites (Michael) Hedrick; two nephews, three nieces, one great nephew and four great nieces.
In addition, Ruth Ann is survived by her fiancé Kenith “Joe” Hines and sons, Kenneth Shane Hines of Petersburg, WV and Kevin Shad (Amanda) Hines of Fisher, WV and four grandchildren, Kelsey (Justin) Smith, Bryson, Kasen and Teagan Hines, and extraordinary special friends, Kent and Joyce Hudgins and Rosanne Harper Glover from Petersburg, WV and The Wojtila Family from Ohio.
Ruth Ann taught school in Grant County for 39 years as a full-time teacher and 9 years as a substitute teacher, totaling 48 years. Algebra was her love. She graduated from California University of PA (California State College) in 1972 and taught all 39 years in Grant County, retiring in 2011. Ruth Ann’s educational awards included 1996-1997 Outstanding Junior High Teacher Award, 2009 Grant County Teacher of the year and 2014 Richard C. Shickle Award for an excellent career dedicated to teaching.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Petersburg where she was a church reader for many decades. Ruth Ann served on the church parish council, finance council, social activities committee and was instrumental in the start of the Guitar Masses at church. She was a member of the West Virginia Retired School Employees Association and an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma.
Ruth Ann’s favorite hobbies and activities included singing, dancing, cruising, vacationing (all 50 states), traveling, swimming and doing counted cross stitching. She loved singing in the community choir and cantatas.
Ruth Ann considered the following as the loves of her life: First, our Heavenly Father, next her children and grandchildren, third her siblings and wonderful family, fourth her true lifelong friends and finally all her former students.
Family will receive friends Tuesday, March 15, 2022 from 5:00 -9:00 PM at the Schaeffer Funeral Home in Petersburg.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 11 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Petersburg, WV with Father Giles LeVasseur and Father Dan Pisano. Music will be provided by Rosanne Harper Glover and The Wojtila family.
Interment will be beside her parents in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Coal Center, PA.
Ruth Ann Columbia 1951-2022 Obituary
